Gifts and Memorials

The Gifts and Memorials Committeeis dedicated to honoring the wishes of donors, wherever practical, for all gifts and memorials made to St. Clare’s Church.

Gifts and Memorials Committee Members

Sandy Bell, Chairperson

The Rev. Liz Schellingerhoudt

Buddy Anderson

Lamar Barber

Jack Grashof

Larry Jones

For all inquiries about Gifts and Memorials, please contact Sandy Bell.

Gifts and Memorials Policies, Procedures, and Protocols

Memorials and gifts are always welcome and are a vital part of the life and history of St. Clare’s Episcopal Church.

St. Clare’s Gifts and Memorial Committee consists of the rector, junior warden, the lay chairperson, and others the committee might desire to add from time to time, including representation of other committees of the parish.

When a gift of property, tangible goods (e.g. equipment, decoration, etc.) or cash is offered that is to be memorialized, its acceptance depends on the approval of the committee. Non-memorialized monetary gifts are not subject to approval or acceptance by this committee, rather, such gifts are to be accepted and used at the discretion of the vestry.

All restricted gifts shall be accompanied by written instructions provided by the donor (negotiated and edited if necessary) detailing the prescribed use(s) of the gift. Both the Gifts and Memorial Committee and the rector (senior warden in the absence of a rector) must agree to the restrictions placed upon such a gift prior to its acceptance. A copy of the donor directives will be held in the church office. Any gift, memorial or otherwise that does not prescribe an intended use of the gifted funds will be considered an unrestricted gift. Gifts given “in lieu of flowers” will be considered unrestricted unless otherwise specified by the family.

Gifts should meet the practical needs of the parish, be of high quality, and require minimum upkeep. Funds for upkeep and maintenance may be provided by the donor as a part of the gift. The gift should be suited for the liturgical or other intended use, be appropriate to the architecture of the church, and harmonize with existing spaces and accretions. In an instance where the committee has concerns about a proposed gift, effort will be made to suggest a more appropriate gift.

The committee will periodically publish a list of prioritized needs of the parish for consideration of potential donors.

All decisions of this committee are subject to review and approval of the rector and the vestry. The Gifts and Memorial Committee is authorized to spend up to the total amount in any given restricted G&M fund without first seeking vestry approval.

No gift may in any way be returned to the donor or a designee without tax consequences for the donor if the original gift was reported to the IRS as a tax deduction.

The parish cannot guarantee the perpetual use of any gift.

Upon request the committee chairperson will provide an annual report to the rector for inclusion in the Parish Annual Report.